Salas lands on disabled list with shoulder injury

By Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com

SAN DIEGO -- The Cardinals placed right-hander Fernando Salas on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation on Wednesday. The move freed up a spot on the 25-man roster for lefty Tyler Lyons, who was added to start the series finale with the Padres.

Salas alerted the Cardinals' medical staff to his shoulder discomfort prior to Tuesday's game. His shoulder tested weak during followup exercises, which prompted the Cardinals to fly Salas back to St. Louis on Wednesday. Manager Mike Matheny said that Salas is scheduled to visit head team physician George Paletta on Thursday.

Salas gave no indication that his shoulder was bothering him after pitching on Monday, though he did express some confusion after that outing as to why his pitches did not have their usual finish on them. Salas suffered a blown save in that appearance, as he allowed two inherited runners to score.

In 15 relief appearances this season, Salas has given up seven earned runs on 15 hits and three walks in 16 1/3 innings. Opponents have hit .242 off him, and he's allowed five of 13 inherited runners to score.

Despite Salas' unavailability until at least June 5, the Cardinals have a seven-man bullpen. Mitchell Boggs had given the club an extra reliever since he was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Sunday.